Grade 6 Decimals: Addition and Subtraction with Easy Examples and Practice Questions

Decimals are an important part of Grade 6 Mathematics. Students use decimals when working with money, measurements, weights and everyday calculations.

Learning how to add and subtract decimals becomes much easier when students understand place values and follow the correct steps.

In this guide, we’ll explain decimal place values, addition, subtraction and regrouping with simple examples. At the end, you’ll find practice questions to test your understanding.

1. Grade 6 Decimals: Understanding Decimal Place Values

A decimal is a number that contains a decimal point.

For example, look at 24.56.

2 is in the tens place.
4 is in the ones place.
5 is in the tenths place.
6 is in the hundredths place.

Remember:

The first digit after the decimal point represents tenths.
The second digit after the decimal point represents hundredths.

For example:

4.5 = 4.50

Adding a zero at the end of a decimal does not change its value.

2. Decimal Addition: Step-by-Step Examples

Adding decimals is easy when you follow three important steps:

Write the numbers one below the other.
Line up the decimal points.
Add each column from right to left.

Example 1: 12.50 + 3.25

Write the numbers with their decimal points aligned:

  12.50
+  3.25
-------
  15.75

Step by step:

Hundredths: 0 + 5 = 5
Tenths: 5 + 2 = 7
Ones: 2 + 3 = 5
Tens: 1 + 0 = 1

Answer: 15.75

Example 2: 4.36 + 2.41

  4.36
+ 2.41
------
  6.77

Hundredths: 6 + 1 = 7
Tenths: 3 + 4 = 7
Ones: 4 + 2 = 6

Answer: 6.77

3. Decimal Subtraction: Easy Examples

Follow these steps when subtracting decimals:

Write the larger number on top.
Line up the decimal points.
Subtract from right to left.
Bring the decimal point straight down.

Example 1: 8.75 − 3.20

  8.75
- 3.20
------
  5.55

Hundredths: 5 − 0 = 5
Tenths: 7 − 2 = 5
Ones: 8 − 3 = 5

Answer: 5.55

4. Grade 6 Decimal Subtraction with Regrouping

Sometimes the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit. In this situation, we need to regroup, which is also called borrowing.

Example: 10.00 − 4.65

  10.00
-  4.65
-------
   5.35

Let’s understand the steps.

We cannot subtract 5 hundredths from 0 hundredths.
We regroup from the ones and tens columns to create enough tenths and hundredths.
After regrouping, subtract each column carefully.

The calculation gives:

10.00 − 4.65 = 5.35

Remember, regrouping allows us to subtract when a digit in the top number is smaller than the digit below it.

5. Common Decimal Addition and Subtraction Mistakes

Students should watch out for these common mistakes:

Mistake 1: Not lining up decimal points

Always write decimal points directly underneath each other.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the decimal point

Bring the decimal point straight down into the answer.

Mistake 3: Confusing tenths and hundredths

Remember that the first digit after the decimal point is tenths, and the second is hundredths.

Mistake 4: Skipping regrouping

When the top digit is smaller, regroup carefully before subtracting.

6. Grade 6 Maths Worksheets: Decimal Practice Questions

Try these questions in your notebook.

Addition

5.25 + 2.30 = ?
6.75 + 1.25 = ?
14.60 + 3.20 = ?

Subtraction

9.80 − 4.50 = ?
12.75 − 5.25 = ?
10.00 − 4.65 = ?

Challenge Question

A notebook costs $2.75 and a pencil case costs $4.50. How much do they cost altogether?

7. Answers to Practice Questions

7.55
8.00
17.80
5.30
7.50
5.35
$7.25

Try solving the questions yourself before checking the answers.

8. Watch Our Free Grade 6 Decimals Lesson

Would you like to see these calculations explained step by step?

Watch our lesson:

Grade 6 Maths: Decimals Made Easy – Addition and Subtraction

The lesson covers decimal place values, addition, subtraction, regrouping and practice questions.

9. Practise More with SmartStudyNest

Regular practice helps students become more confident in Mathematics.

Explore our Grade 6 Maths worksheets and revision resources at SmartStudyNest:

Shop

You can also explore our Grade 6 Maths practice worksheets:

Grade 6 Maths Practice Worksheets: Topics, Examples and Answers

Keep practising, check your answers and remember to line up your decimal points!

Learn • Practise • Succeed with SmartStudyNest.

Grade 6 Fractions: A Simple Guide to Understanding Fractions

Grade 6 fractions are an important part of Maths. They are used in everyday situations such as sharing food, measuring ingredients, comparing amounts, working with money, and solving mathematical problems.

At first, fractions can seem confusing. However, once you understand what the numerator and denominator mean and learn a few simple rules, fractions become much easier to work with.

This guide explains some of the key fraction skills Grade 6 students should understand.

What Is a Fraction?

A fraction represents a part of a whole.

For example:

3/4

The top number is called the numerator. It tells us how many parts we have.

The bottom number is called the denominator. It tells us how many equal parts the whole has been divided into.

So, 3/4 means 3 out of 4 equal parts.

1. Understanding Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent fractions have different numbers but represent the same value.

For example:

1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 = 4/8

To find an equivalent fraction, multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by the same number.

For example:

1/2 × 2/2 = 2/4

Both fractions represent the same amount.

Remember: whatever you do to the numerator, you must also do to the denominator.

2. Simplifying Fractions

Simplifying means reducing a fraction to its simplest form.

For example:

6/8

Both 6 and 8 can be divided by 2:

6 ÷ 2 = 3

8 ÷ 2 = 4

Therefore:

6/8 = 3/4

A fraction is in its simplest form when the numerator and denominator have no common factor greater than 1.

3. Comparing Fractions

Sometimes we need to decide which fraction is greater.

If the denominators are the same, simply compare the numerators.

For example:

3/8 and 5/8

Because 5 is greater than 3:

5/8 > 3/8

When the denominators are different, you may need to find equivalent fractions with a common denominator.

For example:

1/2 and 3/4

We can change 1/2 into 2/4:

1/2 = 2/4

Now we can compare:

3/4 > 2/4

Therefore:

3/4 > 1/2

4. Adding Fractions With the Same Denominator

When fractions have the same denominator, add the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

For example:

2/7 + 3/7 = 5/7

The denominator stays 7 because the fractions are divided into the same number of equal parts.

Do not add the denominators.

5. Subtracting Fractions With the Same Denominator

The same rule applies when subtracting fractions with the same denominator.

For example:

6/9 − 2/9 = 4/9

Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator.

Always check whether the answer can be simplified.

6. Adding Fractions With Different Denominators

When the denominators are different, we usually need to find a common denominator first.

For example:

1/2 + 1/4

A common denominator is 4.

Change 1/2 into an equivalent fraction:

1/2 = 2/4

Now add:

2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4

So:

1/2 + 1/4 = 3/4

Taking time to find a common denominator can prevent many mistakes.

7. Fractions and Mixed Numbers

A mixed number contains a whole number and a fraction.

For example:

2 1/3

This means 2 wholes and 1/3.

An improper fraction has a numerator that is greater than or equal to the denominator.

For example:

7/3

To change an improper fraction into a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator.

7 ÷ 3 = 2 remainder 1

Therefore:

7/3 = 2 1/3

Common Fraction Mistakes

Here are some mistakes Grade 6 students should watch out for:

Mistake 1: Adding the denominators

Incorrect:

1/4 + 2/4 = 3/8

Correct:

1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4

Mistake 2: Forgetting to simplify

For example:

6/8

can be simplified to:

3/4

Always check whether your final answer can be reduced.

Mistake 3: Changing only one part of a fraction

When finding an equivalent fraction, you must multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by the same number.

Practise Makes Fractions Easier

The best way to improve your fraction skills is to practise regularly.

Try different types of questions, show all your working, and check your answers carefully.

For more practice, you can use our free Grade 6 Maths worksheets to practise Maths skills at home or in the classroom.

If you want more focused practice with fractions and decimals, you can also explore the Fractions & Decimals learning resources in the SmartStudyNest Shop.

Final Tip

Don’t worry if fractions seem difficult at first.

Start with the basics, practise one skill at a time, and learn from your mistakes. With regular practice, you can become much more confident with fractions.

Understand the rule. Show your working. Practise regularly. Keep improving.